My co-op with VA Partners has provided many challenges, growth opportunities, and experience than I could have ever expected. As I was browsing the co-op job listings on Waterloo’s database back in November, I kept my expectations in mind. I wanted to play a crucial role within an already established team – not just filing papers or putting books back on the shelves, like many of the other students in my program ended up doing.
But I must admit; the title of Lead Generations Specialist at Venture Accelerator Partners was not at all appealing on the database. My first job when I was fourteen was as a telemarketer for windows and doors and I hated the word “leads”. I thought I had to sit at a desk all day, cold calling from a list of phone numbers. This was the first of many times where Mark Elliott and Steve Gruber, my supervisors, had proved me wrong.
Generating Leads
The main challenge for myself at VA Partners was time management. I looked over seven projects, five of which involved lead generating or establishing the first steps to customer relationship management. However, the tasks involved with the seven projects not only provided a mental break here and there, but also brought with them a range of research opportunities. In the process of generating leads, I researched the mobile tech field for one client, clean energy for the other, logistics, human resources, and finally, media for files three, four, and five. Had I taken a job filing papers or shelving books, I would have never been exposed to terms such as CRM, 360 training, SEO, SMO, and SaaS.
Networking
The growth not only came in knowledge, but also in skills. A part of the job offering was the infinite opportunities to attend social events such as those held at the MaRS district or at local pubs. Though I only went to two out of the many events, I believe my networking skills took quite a leap. I had the opportunity to speak with Jesse Rodgers, the community manager at Waterloo’s Velocity Residence for Innovation (Incubator), listen in on insights offered by RedFlag Deals, Addidas, and more at Pod Camp, and of course, take away some valuable lessons in personal branding and social media from the author of Six Pixels of Separation and key note speaker, Mitch Joel.
Improving Skills
The experience that I had over the last four months was one that definitely brought life to years of textbook theory and classroom lectures. Mark and Steve, both graduates from Wilfrid Laurier University, provided continuous mentorship for my skills in Microsoft Word, Power Point Presentations, and yes, even business etiquette for something as simple as exchanging business cards, to customizing emails for the best impact. My soft skills and technical skills were evenly challenged, and grew evenly stronger.
Social Media Growth
Through Mark’s savvy social media skills, I configured my LinkedIn account to mirror his. Earlier this month, I received my first ever business email from a prospect that found me on LinkedIn. Through Mark’s encouragement to move into the social media scene, I set up TweetDeck to manage my personal profile as well as the company’s. Earlier last week, a company called and said they saw us follow them on Twitter. It was a business in Massachusetts, we were their lead. That’s when it hit me. Never in my life, had I felt like I was actually a part of a business team, until that moment.
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